I FOUND MY MOTHER'S OLD PATCHWORK QUILT. THEN I REALISED WHAT WAS MISSING FROM MY WARDROBE.
Six little things about a colourful patchwork dress that brought some joy back to getting dressed at 67.
I am 67, I live in Sydney, and a few weeks ago I was clearing the spare room before my granddaughter came to stay for the spring school holidays. It was an ordinary Saturday job: fresh sheets, open the windows, sort out the linen cupboard. Then, at the bottom of a drawer, I found a quilt my mother made years ago.
It was a wonderful muddle of colours. Little pieces of red, pink, blue and green, some floral and some patterned, stitched together in a way that ought not to have worked but somehow did. My mother was like that. She never worried very much about whether two colours were supposed to go together. She wore what pleased her and carried on with her day.
I sat on the edge of the bed looking at that quilt, then caught sight of myself in the wardrobe mirror: beige blouse, navy trousers, beige cardigan folded on the chair. Everything sensible. Everything perfectly fine. And not one thing I would have picked because it made me smile.
That evening I started looking for a dress with a little of my mother's spirit in it. Not a costume, not something I would wear once to make a statement. Something with colour and character that could still come with me to lunch, to the market or out for coffee.
That is how I came across the Manuela at Perth Boutique. Its patchwork-style print reminded me immediately of the quilt: bold little sections of colour and pattern, layered together with an easy, generous skirt. It had a simple neckline, sleeves that reached towards the elbow, and a shape that looked as though it was made for moving about rather than standing still.
I ordered it in the colourful style shown in the photographs. When it arrived, I spread it over the bed beside the little patchwork quilt. I could see why it had caught my eye. There was something cheerful about the whole thing, without it needing sequins or any sort of occasion.
My mother never asked whether a colour was sensible. She asked whether she liked it. I had forgotten there was a difference.
When I tried it on, I did not suddenly become another person. That was not the point. I simply remembered what it felt like to choose something for the pleasure of wearing it. And the more I looked at the dress, the more I noticed six details that made it work.
1THE PATCHWORK PRINT IS THE WHOLE OUTFIT
The Manuela has a lively patchwork-style print rather than one repeating flower or stripe. There are blocks and borders of colour, little motifs and bright details across the skirt and bodice. It reminds me of putting together a quilt: each part has something different to offer, and the whole thing belongs together.
With that much interest in the dress itself, I do not feel I need an elaborate necklace, scarf or special handbag to finish an outfit.
Some clothes need help to look interesting. The print is already doing the lovely part here.
2THE COLOURS MAKE CHOOSING ACCESSORIES SIMPLE
I used to avoid patterned dresses because I thought I would have to find shoes that matched every colour in them. The Manuela taught me a much easier rule: let the print be colourful and keep everything else quiet.
My tan sandals and a simple bag are enough. I would just as happily wear it with flats on a spring afternoon. The print is the part I want people to notice.
I do not need ten new accessories to wear one colourful dress.
3THE RELAXED SHAPE FEELS LIKE AN ORDINARY DAY
Perth Boutique describes the Manuela as having a relaxed cut. I liked the idea of a dress with its own gently flowing shape, rather than a tight waistline I would spend the afternoon adjusting.
The full skirt has an easy look to it, and I can imagine wearing it while wandering through a market or sitting with the family over lunch. I am much more interested in that than in a dress that only looks good while standing perfectly still.
I wanted to remember the conversation at lunch, not how often I had to rearrange my skirt.
4THE FABRIC HAS A LOVELY LITTLE TEXTURE
The product page describes a soft, lightweight fabric with a delicate crinkled texture and a cotton-like feel. That sort of softly textured surface makes sense with a colourful print; it gives the pattern depth without needing more embellishment.
Spring in Sydney can mean a warm afternoon even when the morning feels fresh. A lightweight dress is the kind of thing I can see reaching for as those warmer days return.
I like fabric that looks interesting up close as well as in a photograph.
5IT LOOKS JUST AS AT HOME IN THE BEDROOM AS AT LUNCH
I had spent years treating patterned clothes as something for holidays or a special event. Then I saw the Manuela resting over the chair in the spare room and realised I was looking forward to wearing it on a perfectly ordinary day.
There is something pleasant about a dress that makes the room look cheerful while it waits on the chair. More importantly, it made me excited to take it off the hanger again.
The dresses I use most are the ones I look forward to seeing in the wardrobe.
6THERE IS ROOM TO CHOOSE YOUR COLOUR AND SIZE
Perth Boutique lists the Manuela in ten colour options, including Red, Multicolour, Blue, Green and Purple, among others. The sizes are shown from S (AU 8–10) to 5XL (AU 22–24). The dress I liked was colourful, but not everybody will want exactly the same combination.
The product page specifically recommends going one size up. I would check the measurements and the size guide carefully before ordering, especially because the sizes are grouped into ranges.
A cheerful print is the start. Choosing the right size matters just as much.
THE MANUELA, AGAINST THE DRESSES I KEPT CHOOSING OUT OF HABIT
There was nothing wrong with my wardrobe before. But I had forgotten to choose things simply because they delighted me. This is the difference I was looking for.
ABOUT THE PRICE
Perth Boutique currently lists the Manuela | Dress with Ethnic Patchwork at A$99.95, reduced from A$333.00. The store shows ten colour choices and sizes S (AU 8–10) through 5XL (AU 22–24). Prices, colours and stock can change, so check the product page for the latest details.
I have spent money on sensible dresses that I scarcely wore because there was nothing about them I particularly loved. This time it was the print that made me stop, the relaxed shape that made it feel useful, and the memory of my mother's quilt that reminded me why a colourful piece of clothing can be such a pleasure.
Perth Boutique advertises free Australian delivery. Do read the current returns and delivery terms before ordering, and take note of the store's recommendation to size up.
The quilt is folded on the spare bed again now, waiting for my granddaughter. But I am rather glad I found it. It reminded me that not everything we wear has to be sensible first. Sometimes it can simply make an ordinary day a little happier.
Maggie
